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Can Cuban 'Reparto' Music Rival Bad Bunny's Stadium-Filling Success?

Friday, November 8, 2024 by Elizabeth Alvarado

Claudia Piloto, a Cuban living in the United States, took to TikTok to defend the potential of Cuban "reparto" music against the global phenomenon that is Bad Bunny. Responding to a follower named @tinajon, who doubted reparto's international appeal, Claudia argued that the genre's infectious beats should not be underestimated. The user had previously commented that "Bad Bunny is nothing like Bebeshito; as you said, reparto is a Cuban thing and unlikely to gain traction beyond our borders," also suggesting that the Cuban artist would need "a good manager and marketing team to win a Grammy."

Claudia countered by emphasizing the danceability and relatable nature of reparto music, which she believes encourages listeners to "move their hips and dance all the way to the floor," something she feels Bad Bunny’s music does not achieve in the same way. She challenged the notion with, “Why doesn’t it compare? Tell me, why doesn’t it?” and critiqued the tendency among Cubans to undervalue their own creations, stating, “Sadly for us Cubans, everything everyone else does is great, except what we do ourselves.”

This discussion emerged after Claudia, under her TikTok handle @claudia.piloto8, expressed her hopes for Cuban reparto to break through internationally, standing up for local artists like "Bebeshito" following his debut concert in Miami. In that video, she questioned why reparto couldn't achieve global popularity, given the success of similar genres. "If millions flock to stadiums to see Bad Bunny, why couldn’t Cuban reparto be consumed by people from all over the world?" she pondered, pointing out that global urban music isn't known for being "particularly profound or intelligent" either.

The Call for Support and Visibility

Claudia also called on Cuban influencers and content creators to leverage their platforms to support reparto and increase its visibility beyond the island. “I think it’s time for Cuban music to shine a bit more; we’re lagging behind,” she commented, seeking more backing for the genre.

Her video sparked a wave of support from her audience, who left comments such as, “I love Cuban music, it’s the best”; “I don’t understand the disdain, and yet they’re the first to dance to Cuban music at parties”; and “Our music is rich and enjoyable.” Others praised her viewpoint, saying, “It needed to be said, and it was said” and “Exactly, it’s a shame.”

The debate continues: Could Cuban reparto become an international phenomenon? Is it a matter of promotion, or are cultural tastes just different? What do you think?

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